A media official at the Ministry of Transport stated in an exclusive statement to Libya Herald that an extensive meeting was held today at the Ministry’s Tripoli headquarters.
The objective of the meeting was to discuss radical solutions to address traffic congestion in the capital and to develop public and university transport systems.
The meeting was attended by the Minister of Transport, the Minister of Housing and Utilities, representatives from security and executive agencies, and officials from several Tripoli municipalities.
The official explained that the meeting reviewed a set of solutions proposed by the ‘‘Standing Committee for Addressing Traffic Congestion in Greater Tripoli’’. Participants discussed measures to improve traffic flow on major routes and arterial roads, aiming to reduce the congestion currently affecting the capital.
The official added that discussions focused on three primary areas: reorganizing traffic flow by reviewing existing routes and upgrading key intersections; and regulating the movement of trucks—including establishing specific transit times—to help alleviate pressure on roads during peak hours.
Developing public and university transport
He further noted that the second area of focus involves developing public and university transport services. This includes deploying mass transit buses to connect universities with residential areas and urban centers, with the goal of reducing reliance on private vehicles and providing reliable, safe transportation for students and the general public.
Introducing a monorail system
Regarding modern transport projects, the media official explained that the meeting explored the possibility of incorporating a monorail system into Tripoli’s urban transport network. This would involve studying the project’s technical and economic aspects, as well as the feasibility of constructing elevated lines connecting the city centre to its suburbs—thereby providing an alternative for mass transit and helping to alleviate pressure on the conventional road network.
The official emphasized the importance of coordination between the Ministry of Transport, the Ministry of Housing and Utilities, municipalities, and relevant executive bodies. The goal is to ensure synergy between infrastructure and road development projects and mass transit plans, with particular attention given to the needs of students at the University of Tripoli and other educational institutions.
These initiatives come considering worsening traffic congestion in the capital, Tripoli—a problem that imposes daily burdens on citizens and hinders economic activity. This underscores the need for solutions that go beyond temporary fixes, moving instead toward the development of an integrated and sustainable urban transport system.
The monorail project is one of several options currently under consideration as part of efforts to develop public transport. Advancing to the implementation phase will require the completion of technical and economic studies, the determination of routes, the estimation of costs, and the establishment of financing mechanisms.
Monorail option first raised in the 25 October meeting
It will be recalled that the option of using a monorail system was first raised in a meeting headed by the Transport Minister, Mohamed Shahoubi, with the top brass of Libyan Railways, held at the Ministry's Tripoli headquarters on 25 October.
Minister invites monorail proposals from international companies
During that meeting, and as reported by Libya Herald, Shahoubi instructed Libyan Railways to invite initial proposals from specialized firms to implement a monorail project in Tripoli.
The importance of this project was underscored as a strategic, modern solution to alleviate traffic congestion in the capital, while also providing an efficient public transport system and facilitating university student transportation.
It was decided that the Libyan Railroads will prepare and submit a comprehensive, detailed report covering all the topics and issues discussed - including the monorail option - in order to finalize the action plan and determine the subsequent implementation steps.
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